JENNIFER NUFER, a graduate of the former St. John High School in Ashtabula, stands in front of space shuttle Atlantis. Nufer, 29, is an orbiter project engineer assigned to Atlantis, which recently concluded a mission. JENNIFER NUFER / Submitted Photo
Engineering flight toward the stars
Star Beacon
"It was the first time I sat at the console," she said. "It was a real thrill. We listened to the launch director talk to the crew. It's a very regimented procedure. Everything is documented.
"The shuttle really jumps off the pad," Nufer said. "But you're focused on the data, hardware and numbers, so you separate yourself from the emotion."
Minutes later, when the booster rockets separated from the shuttle, everyone dropped their guard.
"There was thunderous applause and hugs," Nufer said. "It was a fabulous day."
Nufer is the daughter of Michael and Denise McNabb of Saybrook Township. Denise joined her daughter in Florida for the launch - - but outside the firing room.
"It was just awesome to see," Denise McNabb said. "I could feel (the launch) reverberate through my bones. Jenny was locked inside the control room. I was thinking 'My daughter is in there.'"
The well-being of the shuttle crew is paramount, and every adjustment to the orbiter is done with the occupants in mind, Nufer said.
"Our goal is to fly safely," she said. "It's second to nothing. It's a dangerous business, an unforgiving business. But the people who work here are so dedicated. We make sure the vehicle is prepared."
Nufer is responsible for daily status reports on Atlantis, and co-workers meet regularly to discuss the vehicle.
"We're very open here," Nufer said. "Discussion is welcome. We do a lot of brainstorming. We get a lot of people involved to solve problems."
One day, Nufer - - who is acquainted with many astronauts - - hopes to hitch a ride into outer space.
"I would love it," she said, laughing. "I've always said I have the second best job here."
Besides Atlantis, the nation's shuttle fleet includes Discovery and Endeavor. Between them, the vehicles have about 16 flights left - - the bulk directly related to the construction of the international space station - - before they are retired.
After that, a new vehicle will make it's debut, one that can't be reused and harkens back to the Saturn missions, Nufer said.
"The new vehicle will be pretty exciting," she said. "I hope to be a part of the new vehicle."
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